Home Infant Toddler Program Parent Handbook

Purpose of This Handbook

In 1986, the United States Congress passed a law to ensure specific rights and services for young children with special needs and their families. In 1989, North Carolina changed state laws to begin the Infant-Toddler Program.

The purpose of this handbook is to help families understand North Carolina's Infant-Toddler Program and to explain their rights under federal and state law. This handbook was developed by families and specialists from a variety of agencies involved in the Infant-Toddler Program.

The phrase "children with special needs" is used in this handbook to refer to children who have disabilities or who are at risk of developing disabilities. Also, the words "parents" and "families" are used to mean anyone who is in charge of the care and well-being of a child. These can be guardians, single parents, grandparents, surrogate parents, foster parents, or other family members.

Some of the words used in this handbook may be new to you. The first time they appear, they will be in bold print. You can find their definitions in the Parent Dictionary of Early Intervention Words.

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